According to the air quality index, air quality is the concentration of pollutants in the air at a particular location or clean air indoors. For comfort and good health inside homes, indoor air quality must be top-notch. To maintain indoor air quality, try looking for indoor air quality solutions that involve the use of air purifiers, HVAC filters, proper ventilation systems, and tools for humidity control. Plants act as natural air purifiers and provide organic ventilation systems.
Factors Affecting Indoor Air Quality: The Unseen Threats
Multiple factors can significantly affect indoor air quality, which may seem unseen but possesses potential risks with clean air indoors. No matter where you live, the air is present in our only source of breathing, but it also contains multiple risk factors and hazardous particles.
| Do you know? Allergens in the air are a big cause of breathing-related diseases. |
Source of Air Pollutants
There are multiple sources of air pollutants. Indoor air pollutants include fuel-burning appliances and tobacco smoke. Whereas, outdoor air pollutants involve radon, pesticides, and vehicle smoke.
| Additional info: Radon is a radioactive substance emitted from the ground. It can cause lung cancer. |
Inadequate Ventilation
Spaces that are not properly ventilated can trap pollutants and cause the accumulation of harmful substances inside the house which can affect Clean air indoors. There must be an exchange between indoor and outdoor air.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a major cause of air pollutants and allergens in the air. VOCs are emitted from multiple air-quality materials and equipment such as furniture, paints, cleaning supplies, and even building materials. VOCs can cause eye and throat infections, headaches, nausea, and breathing issues like asthma.
| Did you know? Formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and xylene are common VOCs in your homes. |
Residential Combustion
Residential combustion is a significant contributor to indoor air pollution. Different combustion appliances produce harmful gases that can deteriorate your health. Two-thirds of Utah households burn fuels in their homes. Burning of fuel causes emissions of harmful gases.
| Did you know? Burning of fuel produces carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter (PM). |
Excess Moisture
Excess moisture significantly affects indoor air quality. High humidity reduces air circulation and can produce musty odors or allergens in the air. Moisture’s atmosphere can produce molds and fungal allergens that can produce hazardous effects on your health.
Breath With Ease: Best Ways to Improve Air Quality
It is crucial to breathe easily and healthily in your home because we spend half our time in our homes, and it is compulsory to feel and breathe comfortably.
Polluted indoor air quality (IAQ) can lead to multiple health issues due to allergens in the air, such as asthma, fatigue, lung cancer, and congestion.
Let’s talk about some indoor air quality solutions.
HVAC Filters
To ensure your indoor air is clean, clean the HVAC filters. Additionally, HEPA and MERV can significantly improve air quality. Replace basic filters every 1 to 3 months and HEPA filters every 6 to 12 months.
Proper Ventilation System
Letting fresh air in and letting it move freely inside the house is one of the best Indoor Air Quality Solutions. Make sure you open your windows and doors at least twice a day. There are multiple forms of ventilators available in the market that bring fresh air in and maintain proper indoor ventilation systems. such as;
- Heat recovery ventilator
- Energy recovery ventilator
- Air purifiers
If you want the outdoor air to be cleaned and breathable, then air purifiers are a must for you. Make sure to use air purifiers with HEPA filters, they are highly effective at capturing small particles, including allergens and pollutants, and efficient in providing mold prevention.
Controlling Humidity Levels
Maintaining humidity levels is key to fresh and pollutant-free air are the best Indoor Air Quality Solutions. It also provides Mold Prevention and Humidity control. Dehumidifiers are very helpful in damp areas and reduce the humidity level by up to 30% to 50%.
Avoid using them in winter because it can make the environment too dry, which may lead to irritated or dry skin and a dry throat.
Grow Indoor Plants
Plants act as natural air purifiers. They can absorb harmful gases and toxins from the air and make indoor air breathable. Make sure you clean them properly and take care of them because molds can also grow in plants and worsen your air. Mold prevention is crucial while growing indoor plants.
Professional Inspections
Professional inspections are very helpful in determining indoor air quality. Make sure to get your indoors checked and cleaned. Experts make sure that hyperventilating systems and air purifiers are working properly.
Breathing Bad Air: The Silent Threats to Health
Poor air quality can cause serious health problems. Prolonged intake of toxins and polluted air can lead to fatal health problems. It can affect children and older people to a greater extent. The side effects of air pollution involve
- Respiratory issues
- Lungs cancer
- Cardiovascular issues
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Conclusion
Air pollution is a serious public health issue. It is crucial to improve the air quality at home. You can use different ventilation systems with HVAC filters and purifiers to cleanse the air. Dehumidifiers provide mold prevention and humidity control. Assess your home, identify air pollutants, and take safety measures to avoid air pollution. Take control of your Indoor air quality now!
FAQs
How to check indoor air quality?
You can check your indoor air quality through DIY testing and professional testing.
Is it safe to use HVAC filters?
Yes, for good indoor air quality, HVAC filters play an important role. But HVAC systems are also prone to potential risk, so make sure to use them with proper care.
How often should we change an air filter?
Generally, the filters should be changed after every 30 to 90 days. But it can depend on the type of filter and house conditions.
What type of humidifier is best for indoor breathing?
Humidifiers add moisture to the dry air. Cool mist humidifiers are quite helpful to prevent skin and throat irritation in dry weather.
What is an ISO for indoor air quality?
ISO 16000 is considered the standard for indoor air quality, it deals with a wide range of indoor air pollutants and toxins.
